We see our fair share of 1st Generation Ford Bronco project cars here at Barn Finds, but this 1971 example could be a rare gem. There’s no denying that it needs some work, but finding a V8-equipped example with a four-figure asking price doesn’t happen every day. Barn Finder Larry D spotted this beauty for us, so thank you for that, Larry. It is located in Sugar Land, Texas, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $9,950, although there is the option to make an offer.

There’s a fair bit to unpack with this Bronco if the buyer is to return it to its former glory. The paint that it currently wears isn’t original, and you can see traces of its factory Astra Blue Metallic in several areas around the vehicle. Externally, the vehicle shows a lot of promise. Rust appears to be pretty limited for a Bronco of this age. There is some visible in the lower doors and a couple of other locations, but nothing would demand wholesale panel replacement. Encouragingly, it has also escaped that common fate of having the wheel arches cut to accommodate larger wheels and tires. The glass looks good, and all of the trim, including the original hubcaps, is present. However, things deteriorate when we begin to delve below the surface. The front inner fenders are starting to develop the rust so common in these classics, while the floors are also pretty bad. So far, there’s nothing out of the ordinary, and steel sections to address these problems are easy to find and surprisingly affordable. The inner fenders will lighten the buyer’s wallet by around $130 per side, while a front floor costs $500, and the rear will add a further $300 to the tally. There is one other issue that the buyer will need to consider. I have spotted what appears to be rust in both rear frame rails near the back spring hangers. It hasn’t progressed too far, but it is an issue that will require attention sooner rather than later. That frame area carries a high structural load, and frame failure could potentially be pretty dangerous. While a competent person might be capable of tackling the rest of the rust, this is an area that I would hand to the professionals to ensure that the car remains structurally sound.

It’s no great surprise to open the doors of this Bronco to discover that the interior will need as much work as the exterior. The seats are present, and the dash is complete, but the buyer will be starting from scratch. The upholstered surfaces have deteriorated beyond the point of no return, while the same is true of the pad. The painted surfaces will need a refresh, and a new wheel and lens for the gauge cluster will go on the shopping list. The easiest way for the buyer to tackle this would be to strip the interior and start from square one. Preparing and repainting the metal surfaces would be a straightforward proposition, while $1,600 would secure a trim kit that would make a significant impact. A replacement gauge lens and gasket will add a further $20 to the tally, while the correct wheel and horn ring will cost the buyer $315. That means that the buyer faces a bill of around $2,000 all-up, but the interior will look factory-fresh for that money.

When you look at this photo, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize that the original 302ci V8 that we find under the hood of this Bronco doesn’t currently run. When it last did is unclear, while the owner doesn’t indicate whether it turns freely. In its heyday, that V8 would’ve punched out 205hp, which found its way to the road via a transfer case and a 3-speed manual transmission. The horsepower figure is not bad for a vehicle of this type, but the 300 ft/lbs of torque would make this classic an accomplished off-roader. Apart from a few peripherals like the carburetor and radiator, the Bronco appears to be mechanically complete. If the 302 turns freely, it could be a strong candidate for a rebuild. Once again, parts are cheap and plentiful, so returning this Ford to a mechanically roadworthy state should not be a difficult or expensive undertaking.

Returning this 1971 Bronco to its former glory will represent a significant challenge for its next owner, but it is a long way from being a basket case. The best way for the buyer to tackle it would be as a nut-and-bolt restoration, and if the work is completed to a high standard, it would be worth the time and effort. If you wandered out today with $40,000 burning a hole in your pocket, there is a chance that you would be driving home in a reasonable example that needed some work. Add another $10,000, and things begin to look better. However, if a pristine example is on your Wish List, there’s every chance that you would need to have $70,000 or more at your disposal. Making that figure more astounding is that values on these 1st Generation Broncos are continuing to skyrocket faster than almost any classic car in the market today. That’s why at the BIN price, this 1971 Bronco deserves a closer look.